Non-invasive brain-computer interface system: towards its application as assistive technology.

TitleNon-invasive brain-computer interface system: towards its application as assistive technology.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2008
AuthorsCincotti, F, Mattia, D, Aloise, F, Bufalari, S, Schalk, G, Oriolo, G, Cherubini, A, Marciani, MG, Babiloni, F
JournalBrain Res Bull
Volume75
Issue6
Pagination796-803
Date Published04/2008
ISSN0361-9230
KeywordsActivities of Daily Living, Adolescent, Adult, Brain, Child, Electroencephalography, Evoked Potentials, Motor, Female, Humans, Learning, Male, Middle Aged, Motor Skills, Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne, Pilot Projects, Prostheses and Implants, Robotics, Self-Help Devices, Software, Spinal Muscular Atrophies of Childhood, User-Computer Interface, Volition
Abstract

The quality of life of people suffering from severe motor disabilities can benefit from the use of current assistive technology capable of ameliorating communication, house-environment management and mobility, according to the user's residual motor abilities. Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) are systems that can translate brain activity into signals that control external devices. Thus they can represent the only technology for severely paralyzed patients to increase or maintain their communication and control options. Here we report on a pilot study in which a system was implemented and validated to allow disabled persons to improve or recover their mobility (directly or by emulation) and communication within the surrounding environment. The system is based on a software controller that offers to the user a communication interface that is matched with the individual's residual motor abilities. Patients (n=14) with severe motor disabilities due to progressive neurodegenerative disorders were trained to use the system prototype under a rehabilitation program carried out in a house-like furnished space. All users utilized regular assistive control options (e.g., microswitches or head trackers). In addition, four subjects learned to operate the system by means of a non-invasive EEG-based BCI. This system was controlled by the subjects' voluntary modulations of EEG sensorimotor rhythms recorded on the scalp; this skill was learnt even though the subjects have not had control over their limbs for a long time. We conclude that such a prototype system, which integrates several different assistive technologies including a BCI system, can potentially facilitate the translation from pre-clinical demonstrations to a clinical useful BCI.

URLhttp://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18394526
DOI10.1016/j.brainresbull.2008.01.007
Alternate JournalBrain Res. Bull.
PubMed ID18394526
PubMed Central IDPMC2896271

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